The International Zoroastrian Community MagazineEst. 1964 · Bombay
The Ancient Behistun Inscription Decoded
In the scorching mountains of western Iran, a monument of monumental proportions stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire. The Behistun inscription, a relic of the 6th century BCE, is an imposing testament to the legacy of Darius the Great, one of the most revered rulers of ancient Persia. This majestic monument, carved into the face of a mountain, tells the story of a king who ruled over a vast empire, stretching from the Indus River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The tale of Darius and the Behistun inscription is a fascinating narrative that weaves together the threads of history, culture, and power, and continues to inspire awe and curiosity in the minds of historians and archaeologists alike.
Darius, also known as Darius I, was a member of the Achaemenid dynasty, which had risen to power in the mid-6th century BCE. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, Darius was a distant cousin of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Darius' ascent to the throne was marked by a series of cunning maneuvers and strategic alliances, which ultimately led to his coronation as the King of Kings. As noted by the historian Pierre Briant, "Darius' rise to power was facilitated by his ability to present himself as a champion of the arta, or truth, and a defender of the daena, or the Zoroastrian faith." The Behistun inscription, which was carved during Darius' reign, provides valuable insights into the king's vision for his empire and his people.
The Behistun inscription is a trilingual text, written in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian, which tells the story of Darius' conquests and his vision for the empire. The inscription is carved into the face of a mountain, near the town of Bisotun, and is accompanied by a series of impressive reliefs, depicting the king and his enemies. As
"I am Darius, the Great King, King of Kings, King of Persia, King of the provinces, son of Hystaspes, grandson of Arsames, an Achaemenid,"the inscription proclaims, establishing the king's genealogy and his connection to the divine. The inscription also provides a detailed account of Darius' military campaigns, including his conquest of Egypt and his suppression of the Babylonian rebellion.
The Behistun inscription was first discovered by European travelers in the 17th century, but it was not until the 19th century that the text was deciphered. The decipherment of the inscription was a major breakthrough in archaeology, as it provided a key to understanding the language and script of the ancient Persians. As noted by the archaeologist Henry Rawlinson, "the decipherment of the Behistun inscription was a labor of love, which required great patience, skill, and dedication." The decipherment of the inscription also opened up new avenues of research into the history and culture of ancient Persia, and provided a valuable window into the world of the Achaemenid Empire.
The Behistun inscription is more than just a relic of the past; it is a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Achaemenid Empire. As a symbol of imperial power and cultural achievement, the inscription continues to inspire awe and admiration in the minds of people around the world. As
"the Behistun inscription is a remarkable example of the cultural and artistic achievements of the Achaemenid Empire, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Darius the Great,"notes the historian Josef Wiesehofer. The inscription also provides a valuable insight into the asha, or the concept of truth and righteousness, which was central to the Zoroastrian faith and the ideology of the Achaemenid Empire.
As we gaze upon the majestic monument of the Behistun inscription, we are reminded of the enduring power of history and culture to shape our understanding of the world. The story of Darius the Great and the Behistun inscription is a testament to the grandeur and majesty of the Achaemenid Empire, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. As we reflect on the past, we are also reminded of the relevance of history to our present and future, and the importance of learning from the experiences of our ancestors. As the Avesta reminds us, "the wise man is he who learns from the past, and looks to the future with hope and wisdom." The legacy of Darius and the Behistun inscription continues to inspire us today, as a symbol of the power of human creativity, perseverance, and vision to shape the course of history.